System and method for determining a seed vigor index from germinated seedlings by automatic separation of overlapped seedlings

Abstract

A system and method for automatically determining a seed vigor index for a lot of seeds by analysis of a scanned image of a plurality of seedlings grown from lot of seeds, including automatically separating and analyzing overlapped seedlings. According to one aspect of the current invention, seedling analysis software is used to analyze an image of seedlings. The seedling analysis software preferably analyzes both hypocotyl and radicle lengths and thus determines the separation point between the two for each seedling. The seedling analysis software also preferably separates overlapped seedlings, preferably using a simulated annealing technique. According to another aspect of the present invention, a low-cost scanner placed in an inverted configuration in a scanner enclosure is used to generate high-quality, reproducible images of seedlings. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of using ordinary germination boxes, i.e., “sandwich boxes” is used to germinate seedlings that greatly facilitate computer-based analysis. In general, this method comprises placing germination blotter paper in the lid of a sandwich box and growing seedlings within the sandwich box in a nearly vertical (upright) position in a darkened germination chamber. The resulting seedlings produce hypocotyls that grow essentially upward and radicles that grow essentially downward, which greatly facilitates image acquisition of the entire seedling, e.g., with an inverted scanner.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Seed vigor testing is a procedure for evaluating the quality of a seed lot based on visually quantifiable cues, such as speed and uniformity of seedling growth. Various specifications for seed vigor testing exist, including the Association of Official Seed Analysts Vigor Testing Handbook (1983) and International Seed Testing Association Seed Vigour Testing Handbook (1987). [0002] Although such tests provide meaningful results to the seed community, they are not routinely performed because of labor intensiveness and subjectivity, which typically varies from seed analyst to seed analyst, even among Registered Seed Technologists (RSTs). Such subjectivity also has hindered the performance of meaningful research into seed vigor, preventing widespread use of seed vigor testing beyond a few key crops. Additionally, the known existing systems for automatically determining seed vigor are overly simple and / or prohibitively expensive, requiring costly cameras...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a system and method for determining a seed vigor index using seedlings grown in the lid of a sandwich box to facilitate image acquisition.

[0008] It is also an advantage of the present invention to provide a system and method for determining a seed vigor index using seedling analysis software that analyzes both hypocotyl and radicle lengths as determinants of seed vigor.

[0009] It is therefore another advantage of the present invention to provide a system and method for determining a seed vigor index using seedling analysis software that separates overlapped seedlings, preferably with simulated annealing.

[0010] It is a further advantage of this invention to provide a system and method for determining a seed vigor index using seedlings grown such that their hypocotyls and radicles are substantially parallel to each other to facilitate image acquisition and analysis.

[0011] It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a system and method for automatically determining a seed vigor index.

[0012] It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a system and method for automatically determining a seed vigor index using seedling analysis software that determines a separation point for hypocotyl and radicle for a given seedling, e.g., by analyzing root hairs and secondary roots.

Problems solved by technology

Although such tests provide meaningful results to the seed community, they are not routinely performed because of labor intensiveness and subjectivity, which typically varies from seed analyst to seed analyst, even among Registered Seed Technologists (RSTs).

Such subjectivity also has hindered the performance of meaningful research into seed vigor, preventing widespread use of seed vigor testing beyond a few key crops.

Additionally, the known existing systems for automatically determining seed vigor are overly simple and / or prohibitively expensive, requiring costly cameras and / or special hardware such as special germination chambers.

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